EU-Ukraine Association Council: EU welcomes reform efforts by Ukraine

On 11 February, the 7th EU-Ukraine Association Council took place in Brussels, co-chaired by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine.

The participants discussed the implementation of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, focusing on political reforms, the rule of law and security, economic cooperation and trade. The Association Council reaffirmed its continued commitment to strengthen the political association and economic integration of Ukraine with the European Union on the basis of the Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

The EU reiterated its readiness to help Ukraine gain early access to vaccines and support its vaccination campaign through a regional project with the World Health Organisation launched the same day. The Council looked forward to the resumption of non-essential travel for citizens, once the epidemiological conditions allow.

The EU welcomed the reform efforts by Ukraine. The participants agreed that Ukraine needs a comprehensive judicial reform and should strengthen the rule of law and ensure the independent and effective operation of anti-corruption institutions in order to secure broad public trust and support in the fight against corruption. The EU commended the commitment of Ukraine to fully restore the electronic asset declaration system, and emphasised the importance of adopting deterrent sanctions. The EU also highlighted the need for credible integrity checks for judges.

The EU reiterated its unwavering support and commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The Council reiterated its strong condemnation of the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian armed forces. The EU reaffirmed its policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol by Russia, including through restrictive measures.

The participants agreed to continue enhancing Ukraine’s economic integration and regulatory approximation with the EU in sectors such as digital economy, trade facilitation, customs cooperation and justice and home affairs, within the framework of the Association Agreement.

The EU and Ukraine will undertake an internal assessment of the Agreement’s objectives and present the outcome at the Ukraine-EU Summit in 2021.

Find out more

Press release

Ukraine: Remarks by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell following the EU-Ukraine Association Council

Statement by Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis after meeting Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine

Remarks by Commissioner Várhelyi at the press conference after the EU‑Ukraine Association Council

EU–Ukraine Association Agreement

EU–Ukraine relations factsheet

Eastern Partnership: EU relations with Ukraine (background information)